Research

11 pages, 1610 KiB

Open AccessArticle

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Kinetics and Biomechanical Parameters as Predictors of Athlete’s Performance in 800 m Running Race

by Vicente Torres Navarro, Jose Vicente Sánchez-Alarcos Díaz-Pintado, Diego Warr di Piero and Florentino Huertas Olmedo

Sports 2023, 11(1), 15; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sports11010015 - 09 Jan 2023

Viewed by 1573

Abstract

Incremental tests to exhaustion have been usually employed as the “gold standard” to establish the fitness level of athletes. However, during real competition in many sport disciplines, exertion is not characterized by an increasing effort until failure. The purpose of this preliminary study [...] Read more.

Incremental tests to exhaustion have been usually employed as the “gold standard” to establish the fitness level of athletes. However, during real competition in many sport disciplines, exertion is not characterized by an increasing effort until failure. The purpose of this preliminary study was to add new evidence regarding the usability of parameters obtained from an on-field testing in 800 m running athletes.

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kinetics (mean, amplitude, phase time, and phase start time) and biomechanical parameters (velocity, stride frequency, and stride length) were analyzed in eight athletes during a maximal 800 m running race test. Our results showed that only the peak of blood lactate concentration after the 800 m test was correlated with the race time (p = 0.047). The race time was positively associated with both the phase duration and phase start time (all p-values < 0.05). Conversely, race time was negatively correlated with velocity, stride frequency, and amplitude (p-values < 0.05). Our results reveal that jointly studying the

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kinetics and biomechanical parameters during a maximal 800 m running race test is a useful tool to predict the athlete’s upcoming performance and improve the planning and control of the training process of 800 m running athletes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise: Prescription, Measurement, and Testing)

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11 pages, 782 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Knee Isokinetic Profiles and Reference Values of Professional Female Soccer Players

by Isabel Brígido-Fernández, Francisco García-Muro San José, Guillermo Charneco-Salguero, José Miguel Cárdenas-Rebollo, Yolanda Ortega-Latorre, Ofelia Carrión-Otero and Luis Fernández-Rosa

Sports 2022, 10(12), 204; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sports10120204 - 12 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2864

Abstract

Few studies have previously evaluated isokinetic parameters in female soccer players in comparison to those in males. The aim of this study was to describe normative quadriceps (Q) and hamstring (H) muscle strength values in professional female soccer players and to examine differences [...] Read more.

Few studies have previously evaluated isokinetic parameters in female soccer players in comparison to those in males. The aim of this study was to describe normative quadriceps (Q) and hamstring (H) muscle strength values in professional female soccer players and to examine differences between dominant leg (DL) and nondominant leg (NDL). A standardized test protocol of concentric knee extension and flexion test protocol was conducted using the dynamometer isokinetic system (IsoMEd 2000). All the participants were healthy female professional soccer players from Spanish first and second division teams. Players were assessed for peak torque (PT) and maximum work (MW) values at 60°/s, 180°/s, and 240°/s. The mean difference was 7.17 (p-value = 0.0036), 4.4 (p-value = 0.0386), and 4.25 Nm (p-value = 0.0241) at speed 60°, 180°, and 240°/s, respectively. No statistically significant differences were detected for H–Q values between DL and NDL. This difference was 6.44 (p-value = 0.0449), and 5.87 J (p-value = 0.0266) at speed 60°, and 180°/s. The present study can be a tool that health professionals working with female professional soccer players in their care can use to assess and monitor a particular player. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise: Prescription, Measurement, and Testing)

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14 pages, 3899 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Test–Retest Reliability and Sensitivity of Common Strength and Power Tests over a Period of 9 Weeks

by Maria Venegas-Carro, Andreas Kramer, Maria Moreno-Villanueva and Markus Gruber

Sports 2022, 10(11), 171; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sports10110171 - 02 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1846

Abstract

This study evaluated the reliability and sensitivity of a set of different common strength and power tests in a healthy adult population in a span of 9 weeks. Seventeen subjects (24.2 ± 2.2 years, 1.75 ± 0.10 m, 68.6 ± 14.2 kg, seven [...] Read more.

This study evaluated the reliability and sensitivity of a set of different common strength and power tests in a healthy adult population in a span of 9 weeks. Seventeen subjects (24.2 ± 2.2 years, 1.75 ± 0.10 m, 68.6 ± 14.2 kg, seven women) participated in the study. We tested countermovement jumps, reactive hops, and the maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) of handgrip and isometric knee extension. The tests were conducted in three separate sessions across a nine-week period, with one week between the first two sessions and eight weeks between the second and the third. Reliability and sensitivity statistics for each test were calculated for both the average of three trials and the best result during each session. The MVC of isometric knee extension and handgrip, as well as the countermovement jump test, demonstrated very high reliability and sensitivity over the nine-week period. The peak force of the reactive hops demonstrated high reliability but high sensitivity only for the average but not for the best result. The average contact time of reactive hops was neither a sensitive nor reliable measurement. In conclusion, isometric maximal knee extension and handgrip tests, as well as countermovement jumps and peak force of reactive hops, can be used as reliable and sensitive measurements of isometric and reactive strength and power over time periods of up to eight weeks. We recommend the use of the average results of three trials instead of the best performance value for longitudinal studies, as this procedure produces more consistent results and a lower measurement error. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise: Prescription, Measurement, and Testing)

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13 pages, 1070 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bodyweight and Combined Training Reduce Chronic Low-Grade Inflammation and Improve Functional Fitness of Postmenopausal Women

by Marcos Raphael Pereira Monteiro, José Carlos Aragão-Santos, Alan Bruno Silva Vasconcelos, Antônio Gomes de Resende-Neto, Leury Max da Silva Chaves, Alan Pantoja Cardoso, Albernon Costa Nogueira, Angel Carnero-Diaz, Pablo Jorge Marcos-Pardo, Cristiane Bani Corrêa, Tatiana Rodrigues de Moura and Marzo Edir Da Silva-Grigoletto

Sports 2022, 10(10), 143; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sports10100143 - 23 Sep 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1884

Abstract

Exercise is an important tool against the deleterious effects of aging. Among the possibilities of exercise, bodyweight training (BWT) has been highlighted in the last years as a safe option to improve the health of older people. We compared the effects of 24 [...] Read more.

Exercise is an important tool against the deleterious effects of aging. Among the possibilities of exercise, bodyweight training (BWT) has been highlighted in the last years as a safe option to improve the health of older people. We compared the effects of 24 weeks of BWT and combined training (CT) on low-grade systematic inflammation and functional fitness in postmenopausal women. For this, 40 women were allocated and submitted to CT (n = 20, 64.43 ± 3.13 years, 29.56 ± 4.80 kg/m²) and BWT (n = 20, 65.10 ± 4.86 years, 28.76 ± 4.26 kg/m²). We measured inflammation by the interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) assessments. For functional fitness, we used tests similar to activities of daily living. At the end of the 16 weeks, data from 24 women were analyzed, CT (n = 14) and BT (n = 10). Both groups reduced TNF-α and IL-6 levels, without differences in IL-10. Regarding functional fitness, both groups demonstrated improvements in all tests after 24 weeks, except for rise from prone position and the 400-meter walk test for CT. In summary, CT and BWT are effective in reducing the plasma concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines and improving functional fitness in postmenopausal women. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise: Prescription, Measurement, and Testing)

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8 pages, 2012 KiB

Open AccessArticle

An Index of Non-Linear HRV as a Proxy of the Aerobic Threshold Based on Blood Lactate Concentration in Elite Triathletes

by Bruce Rogers, Sander Berk and Thomas Gronwald

Sports 2022, 10(2), 25; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sports10020025 - 18 Feb 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4231

Abstract

A non-linear index of heart rate (HR) variability (HRV) known as alpha1 of Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA a1) has been shown to change with increasing exercise intensity, crossing a value of 0.75 at the aerobic threshold (AT) in recreational runners defining a HRV [...] Read more.

A non-linear index of heart rate (HR) variability (HRV) known as alpha1 of Detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA a1) has been shown to change with increasing exercise intensity, crossing a value of 0.75 at the aerobic threshold (AT) in recreational runners defining a HRV threshold (HRVT). Since large volumes of low-intensity training below the AT is recommended for many elite endurance athletes, confirmation of this relationship in this specific group would be advantageous for the purposes of training intensity distribution monitoring. Nine elite triathletes (7 male, 2 female) attended a training camp for diagnostic purposes. Lactate testing was performed with an incremental cycling ramp test to exhaustion for the determination of the first lactate threshold based on the log–log calculation method (LT1). Concurrent measurements of cardiac beta-to-beat intervals were performed to determine the HRVT. Mean LT1 HR of all 9 participants was 155.8 bpm (±7.0) vs. HRVT HR of 153.7 bpm (±10.1) (p = 0.52). Mean LT1 cycling power was 252.3 W (±48.1) vs. HRVT power of 247.0 W (±53.6) (p = 0.17). Bland–Altman analysis showed mean differences of −1.7 bpm and −5.3 W with limits of agreement (LOA) 13.3 to −16.7 bpm and 15.1 to −25.6 W for HR and cycling power, respectively. The DFA a1-based HRVT closely agreed with the LT1 in a group of elite triathletes. Since large volumes of low-intensity exercise are recommended for successful endurance performance, the fractal correlation properties of HRV show promise as a low-cost, non-invasive option to that of lactate testing for identification of AT-related training boundaries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise: Prescription, Measurement, and Testing)

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Review

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15 pages, 1883 KiB

Open AccessReview

Effects of the Practice of Movement Representation Techniques in People Undergoing Knee and Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review

by Cristóbal Riquelme-Hernández, Juan Pablo Reyes-Barría, Abner Vargas, Yaynel Gonzalez-Robaina, Rafael Zapata-Lamana, David Toloza-Ramirez, Maria Antonia Parra-Rizo and Igor Cigarroa

Sports 2022, 10(12), 198; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sports10120198 - 05 Dec 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2701

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the effects of movement representation techniques (MRT) combined with conventional physical therapy (CFT) in people undergoing knee and hip arthroplasty compared to conventional physical therapy alone in terms of results in physical and functionality variables, cognitive function, and quality of [...] Read more.

Objective: To analyze the effects of movement representation techniques (MRT) combined with conventional physical therapy (CFT) in people undergoing knee and hip arthroplasty compared to conventional physical therapy alone in terms of results in physical and functionality variables, cognitive function, and quality of life. Methodology: the review was carried out according to the criteria of the PRISMA statement, considering studies in the electronic databases PubMed/Medline, Pubmed Central/Medline, Web of Science, EBSCO, and ScienceDirect. Results: MRT plus CFT generated therapeutic effects in some aspects of the physical variables: 100% pain (7 of 7 studies); 100% strength (5 out of 5 studies); range of motion 87.5% (7 out of 8 studies); 100% speed (1 of 1 study), functional variables: 100% gait (7 of 7 studies); functional capacity 87.5% (7 out of 8 studies); cognitive variables: 100% motor visualization ability (2 out of 2 studies); cognitive performance 100% (2 of 2 studies); and quality of life 66.6% (2 of 3 studies). When comparing its effects with conventional physical therapy, the variables that reported the greatest statistically significant changes were motor visualization ability, speed, pain, strength and gait. The most used MRT was motor imagery (MI), and the average time extension of therapies was 3.5 weeks. Conclusions: movement representation techniques combined with conventional physical therapy are an innocuous and low-cost therapeutic intervention with therapeutic effects in patients with knee arthroplasty (KA) and hip arthroplasty (HA), and this combination generates greater therapeutic effects in physical, functional, and cognitive variables than conventional physical therapy alone. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise: Prescription, Measurement, and Testing)

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11 pages, 287 KiB

Open AccessReview

Stubborn Exercise Responders–Where to Next?

by Leo R. Bell, Tim J. Gabbett, Gregory M. Davis, Matthew P. Wallen and Brendan J. O’Brien

Sports 2022, 10(6), 95; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sports10060095 - 10 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3224

Abstract

There is a wide variance in the magnitude of physiological adaptations after resistance or endurance training. The incidence of “non” or “poor” responders to training has been reported to represent as high as 40% of the project’s sample. However, the incidence of poor [...] Read more.

There is a wide variance in the magnitude of physiological adaptations after resistance or endurance training. The incidence of “non” or “poor” responders to training has been reported to represent as high as 40% of the project’s sample. However, the incidence of poor responders to training can be ameliorated with manipulation of either the training frequency, intensity, type and duration. Additionally, global non-response to cardio-respiratory fitness training is eliminated when evaluating several health measures beyond just the target variables as at least one or more measure improves. More research is required to determine if altering resistance training variables results in a more favourable response in individuals with an initial poor response to resistance training. Moreover, we recommend abandoning the term “poor” responders, as ultimately the magnitude of change in cardiorespiratory fitness in response to endurance training is similar in “poor” and “high” responders if the training frequency is subsequently increased. Therefore, we propose “stubborn” responders as a more appropriate term. Future research should focus on developing viable physiological and lifestyle screening tests that identify likely stubborn responders to conventional exercise training guidelines before the individual engages with training. Exerkines, DNA damage, metabolomic responses in blood, saliva and breath, gene sequence, gene expression and epigenetics are candidate biomarkers that warrant investigation into their relationship with trainability. Crucially, viable biomarker screening tests should show good construct validity to distinguish between different exercise loads, and possess excellent sensitivity and reliability. Furthermore “red flag” tests of likely poor responders to training should be practical to assess in clinical settings and be affordable and non-invasive. Early identification of stubborn responders would enable optimization of training programs from the onset of training to maintain exercise motivation and optimize the impact on training adaptations and health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise: Prescription, Measurement, and Testing)

Other

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10 pages, 284 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Anthropometric Measures, Muscle Resistance, and Balance in Physically Active, Aged Adults

by Filipe Rodrigues, Raul Antunes, Rui Matos, Miguel Jacinto, Diogo Monteiro, Pedro Forte, António Miguel Monteiro and Tiago M. Barbosa

Sports 2023, 11(6), 113; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/sports11060113 - 06 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1332

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the relationship between age, body mass index, muscle strength, and balance in physically active, aged adults. Methods: Eighty-five participants were recruited for this study, having an average age of 70.31 years (SD = 9.90), ranging from 50 [...] Read more.

Objectives: This study aimed to examine the relationship between age, body mass index, muscle strength, and balance in physically active, aged adults. Methods: Eighty-five participants were recruited for this study, having an average age of 70.31 years (SD = 9.90), ranging from 50 to 92 years. Twenty-six (30.6%) participants were male and fifty-nine (69.4%) were female. The participants had an average body mass index of 27.30 kg/m² (SD = 3.62), ranging from 20.32 to 38.58 kg/m². Participants undertook the Timed-Up and Go to test balance, and the chair-stand test to assess lower body strength. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted. Three models (Model 1, 2, and 3) were tested to assess their relationships with balance: M1—Lower body muscle strength; M2—Lower body muscle strength and body mass index; M3—Lower body muscle strength, body mass index, and age. Results: All hierarchical models displayed significant variance. The third model explained 50.9% of the variance in dynamic balance, [F(3, 81) = 27.94, p < 0.001, R = 0.71, R_a² = 0.51]. The difference in R_a² between the first, second, and third models was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Age, body mass index, and lower body muscle strength had significant (p < 0.05) correlations with balance. In terms of the significant impact of each predictor, age had the strongest association with balance (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results are useful to understand mechanisms or diagnose people at risk of fall. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Activity and Exercise: Prescription, Measurement, and Testing)

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